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Priority-Registration for Trademark Holders

The Sunrise Period is a priority-registration period which allows brand owners to be first in line to safeguard their domain name.

Getting your domain name registered as first priority is a simple 3-step process:

STEP 1: Get your Trademarks validated

To access the exclusive priority-registration period, your trademark information needs to be validated by the Trademark Clearinghouse. You need to register in the Clearinghouse (click here) and then you can submit your trademark for verification.

- Fill out a form detailing your trademark information (such as the registration date and number) - Upload proof that you are using the trademark. This could be a brochure, screenshot of your website or other marketing material - Sign a declaration that you are using the trademark

If you require assistance with this process, over 180 official Clearinghouse agents are at your disposal. You can find an agent by any language of service via: http://agents.clearinghouse.org

STEP 2: Download your authentication key

When your trademark information and proof of use documents have been successfully verified you need to download the SMD-file from the secure Clearinghouse web-portal.

That Signed Mark Data file is a unique key which authenticates your trademark information when completing a priority-registration. It can be used over and over again as it is valid for every Sunrise period of every new Top Level Domain.

STEP 3: Use your authentication key to register your domain name

Whenever a Top Level Domain that interests you launches its Sunrise period, you can register before it opens up to the general public. When you provide your preferred domain name registrar with your SMD-file he can easily complete the registration for the domain name that matches your trademark.